Vitamin D for Immune Defense: Stay Healthy this Fall and Winter in Des Moines

Fall is underway and winter will be here before we know it in the Des Moines area. As the days get shorter, you may notice more people getting sick and missing school, work, or time with loved ones.

Ever wonder why some people seem to have "the flu", a cold, or COVID, while others stay healthy all season long? A big part of the answer is Vitamin D.

Health is About Meeting Your Body's Needs

Think of your health like a flower. It needs sunlight, water, nutrient-rich soil, and carbon dioxide to thrive. When one of these is missing, it starts to wilt.

Your body works in much the same way. It needs care for you mental health, nutrient-dense foods, regular movement, and a healthy brain-body connection (that's your brain and nervous system).

During the fall and winter months, many people fall short in one or more of these areas. Less sunshine, more stress, and fewer fresh foods can take a toll on your body's ability to function and adapt. It's not that your body is broken, it's trying to do the best it can with what it's given.

Vitamin D: A Key Player in Immune Health

Along with regular chiropractic care, which supports a health brain-body connection, Vitamin D is one of the most important

nutrients for immune system strength.

Even with a health diet, most people don't get enough Vitamin D during the colder months. Our primary source is made in our skin through exposure to direct sunlight. This is harder to come by in Iowa, September through May.

Research continues to show that maintaining healthy levels of Vitamin D can help prevent illness, improve mood, and support long term wellness.

The Benefits of Vitamin D Beyond Immune Support

Vitamin D does far more than just supporting your immune system, such as:

• Supporting muscle and bone health

• Reducing the risk of fractures and injuries

• Supporting brain and mood balance

• Lowering the risk of heart disease and certain cancers

How Much AND what Kind?

The best way to know what your needs are is to have your blood levels of Vitamin D checked periodically, especially as seasons change.

If you're relying on sunlight, try to get 20 minutes of direct sun exposure (without sunscreen) between 10 am and 2 pm, daily. When that's not possible (insert cloudy fall and cold winter) supplementing with about 35 IUs (international units) per pound of body weight, or about 5,000 IUs, daily is a simple and effective option for adults.

When selecting a supplement, quality matters!

• Vitamin D2 is synthetic and less effective.

• Vitamin D3 is the natural form your body produces through sunlight and the one you want to look for of supplement labels. It's even better when combined with K2

Support Your Health Naturally

A strong immune system starts with the basics, movement, proper nutrition, stress management, and a well functioning brain-body connection. Chiropractic care helps your body adapt to life's physical and mental stresses, while Vitamin D gives your immune system the nutritional support it needs to thrive.

Get your D for (immune) Defense! Your body will thank you.